Digital Device Screen Mount for a Helmet

ABSTRACT

Digital device screen apparatus for use with a motorcycle helmet or like. In one example, apparatus includes a screen and means of connection. The device is attachable or attached to a rearward facing portion of a helmet ( 5 ) to display a picture, image or video source. In one example, a front mount camera is connected to a viewing screen mounted on the back of a helmet. In one example, the screen mount is configurable to house a variety of screens and sizes and types. In another example, a video display apparatus interfaces to the motorcycle with either a conventional breakaway cable, wirelessly via Blue Tooth, R.F. Radio Frequency or other means of wireless transmission. The apparatus can be integrated or added as an aftermarket accessory to a helmet.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C §119(e) of U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/554,404, which was filed on Nov. 1, 2011, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments relate to motorcycle helmets and, more particularly but not exclusively, to motorcycle helmets incorporating viewing devices. Furthermore, embodiments relate to viewing devices for helmets. Also, embodiments relate to mounts for attaching viewing devices to motorcycle helmets.

BACKGROUND

Helmet lighting systems are commonly known in the field. The systems are designed to make a rider more visible to fellow motorists. These devices include some sort of light source secured to a helmet to achieve this. With this embodiment we are addressing a different problem. Many types of signaling devices have been applied and or made for helmets to help make a rider better seen and therefore safer. All of these systems mount a single filament style light to a helmet.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect, a motorcycle helmet apparatus is provided. The apparatus may comprise a motorcycle helmet including a digital device screen mount on the helmet for attaching a digital device screen to a rearward facing portion of the helmet such that, when the helmet is worn by a driver of the motorcycle, a motorcycle passenger seated behind the driver is able to view an image or use computer aspects of the digital device.

According to another aspect, an apparatus for a motorcycle helmet is provided. The apparatus may comprise a motorcycle helmet digital device screen mount configured for attaching a digital device screen rearward facing on a motorcycle helmet such that, when the helmet is worn by a driver of the motorcycle, a motorcycle passenger seated behind the driver is able to view an image or use computer aspects of the digital device.

According to yet another aspect, an apparatus for a motorcycle helmet is provided. The apparatus may comprise a motorcycle helmet digital device screen including a mount for attaching the digital device screen rearward facing on a motorcycle helmet such that, when the helmet is worn by a driver of the motorcycle, a motorcycle passenger seated behind the driver is able to view an image or use computer aspects of the digital device.

ADVANTAGES

Accordingly several advantages of one or more aspects are as follows: to provide an apparatus that would attach a viewing screen to the back of a helmet. In one non-limiting example, the apparatus is light, strong, and easily manufactured. The apparatus would allow the passenger of a motorcycle to view an image on the back of the driver's helmet. In one embodiment, this apparatus is coupled with a standard forward facing camera. This would allow the passenger an image of the road ahead of them, not a helmet. Other advantages of one or more aspects will be apparent from the consideration of the drawings and ensuing description.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, closely related figures have the same number but different alphabetical suffixes.

FIG. 1 shows a side view of a helmet with an apparatus attached and a means of electrically coupling with a motorcycle according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 shows a top view of a helmet with an apparatus with a means of electrically interconnecting the vehicles electrical power according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 shows the rearward facing portion of an apparatus with a video screen and a means for electrically connecting the video screen to the system of the motorcycle.

FIG. 4 shows a top view of a helmet with an apparatus with a wireless means of interconnecting.

Drawings- Reference Numerals  5 helmet 10 an embodiment 15 video screen 19 multi-conductor cable 30 multi conductor fitting 31 multi conductor coupler 40 weather proof enclosure 41 multi-conductor receptacle 50 power input wire 51 electrical power tap 52 eye loop connector 53 rca video input connector 55 power out cable 91 solar cell 92 battery 93 on/off switch 94 wireless receiver

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In preparation for the explaining the details of the present inventive disclosure, it is to be understood by the reader that the invention is not limited to the presented details of the construction, materials and embodiments as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, as the invention concepts are clearly capable of other embodiments and of being practiced in realized in various ways by applying the disclosure herein.

Technical features described in this application can be used to construct various embodiments of apparatus for motorcycle helmets. In one approach, the apparatus is a motorcycle helmet includes a digital device screen mount on the helmet for attaching a digital device screen rearward facing on the helmet such that, when the helmet is worn by a driver of the motorcycle, a motorcycle passenger seated behind the driver is able to view an image or use computer aspects of the digital device. In another approach, a digital screen mount is configured for attaching the digital screen rearward facing on a motorcycle helmet. In yet another approach, a digital screen includes the digital screen mount for attaching the digital screen rearward facing on a motorcycle helmet.

Reference will now be made to the drawings in which the various elements of embodiments will be given numerical designations and in which embodiments will be discussed so as to enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention.

Specific reference to components, process steps, and other elements are not intended to be limiting. Further, it is understood that like parts bear the same reference numerals, when referring to alternate Figures. It will be further noted that the Figures are schematic and provided for guidance to the skilled reader and are not necessarily drawn to scale. Rather, the various drawing scales, aspect ratios, and numbers of components shown in the Figures may be purposely distorted to make certain features or relationships easier to understand.

The disadvantages to known helmet signaling devices are:

(a) The devices do not address the visual need of the passenger

(b) Their lights are restricted to a limited number of colors and shades.

(c) The devices offer a small surface area of light.

(d) People don't use them.

(e) They can't entertain.

One of the issues we are addressing is that arises when the driver of the motorcycle is in front. The driver is wearing a helmet, blocking the view of the road ahead. The passenger gets stuck looking at the back of a helmet. This embodiment allows for a screen or likes to be attached to the rear of the helmet. Configured with a forward facing camera would give the passenger a view of the road ahead.

In one non-limiting example, the apparatus is a mount for a viewing screen and a means of interconnecting the viewing screen to a video source such as a forward facing camera, DVD, or other media device wired or wireless. This example is designed to aid the passenger of the motorcycle to see an image from the source. A forward facing camera coupled with this example gives the passenger view of the road ahead. A view that was blocked before using this example through a motorcycle helmet in front of them.

FIG. 1 depicts a side view of a motorcycle helmet 5 provided with the video apparatus 10 in accordance with the inventive disclosures herein. The motorcycle helmet 5 is a protective helmet as typically worn on the head of a motorcycle rider. The helmet 5 has a rearward facing portion. On to which the apparatus is secured. The apparatus 10 includes a video screen: LCD or LED style screen 20 secured onto the rear portion of the helmet. The screen 20 is operable through the cord 19 attached to the motorcycle electrical and a forward facing camera. (Not shown)

FIG. 2 depicts a top view of a motorcycle helmet 5 provided with the video apparatus including a multi-conductor wire pigtail 19 for connecting the video display apparatus to the electrical of the motorcycle and forward facing camera (not shown)

Detailed Description—FIGS. 1-2 First Embodiment

One embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 shows a motorcycle helmet 5 coupled with the first embodiment of the invention 10 the first embodiment is made of a strong helmet like material such as fiberglass how ever the embodiment can be made of other materials such as, carbon fiber, plastics, polyethylene, polypropylene, vinyl, nylon, rubber, laminates, carbonates, cardboard, various plasticized materials, etc.

With reference to FIG. 2 the embodiment 10 is attached to a helmet that's fitted with a screen 15 and is electrically interconnected through a multi conductor cable 19 the cable will be terminated with multi conductor ends or connectors 30 and attached to a coupler or breakaway 31 the cable can then be routed as to the riders preference through the multi conductor cable 19 to the multi conductor receptacle 41 and there in the enclosure 40 coupled to an rca video input 53 power output 50 for the camera or other digital device(not shown) attached to the motorcycle (not shown) power is supplied to the units through cable 50 and terminated with a tap style connector 52 and an eye loop connector 52.

With reference to FIG. 3 the embodiment 10 is fitted with a screen 15 and is electrically interconnected through a multi conductor cable 19 the cable can be disregarded for a wireless interconnection. The wireless embodiment includes a solar cell 91 connected to a battery 92 and wired to an on/off switch 93 which provide power for the screen 15. A wireless receiver 94 is used to receive a signal.

With reference to FIG. 4 the embodiment 10 is fitted with a screen 15 and is wirelessly interconnected. The wireless embodiment includes a solar cell 91 connected to a battery 92 and wired to an on/off switch 93 which provide power for the screen 15 and the wireless receiver 94.

Operation—FIGS. 1-2

In one non-limiting example, the manner of using the device after attaching it to the rider's helmet is as follows: the user puts their helmet on and grasp the phone style connecter 19 from the motorcycle and connect it to phone style connector coming from the embodiment 19 via the multi conductor coupler 31 the motorcycle is theoretically on and the power is connected through the multi-conductor wire. The device is on and ready to display the users defined digital device such as a forward facing camera.

FIGS. 3-4—Alternate Embodiments

There are various possibilities with regard to the present disposition of the interconnections. There can be a wirelessly interconnected version shown in both FIG. 2 and FIG. 3

Alternative Embodiments

There are various possibilities with regards to the materials used to make the mount. The materials depending on need can be adjusted and are discussed above. The coupler directly below the device is a safety or breakaway if you will but is fully changeable depending on the needs. The basis is the same of getting power and video to the embodiment. Alternatively the power could be used off of a battery and charger system and an on-off switch. Alternately the video or data can be made wirelessly. Blue tooth and Radio Frequency and/or both used to wirelessly transfer information. This would make for a wireless embodiment. The connector box could also be changed depending on needs. But the need to send a signal remains the same.

Advantages

From the description above, a number of advantages of one or more alternate embodiments of our video screen mount become evident:

-   -   (a) A passenger will be able to display different images         depending on the video source. An exemplary embodiment included         a forward facing camera. The user can attach a DVD player or         digital device and the passenger can watch a movie.     -   (b) The user can attach a digital device to display an image or         movie.     -   (c) The video screen mount can mount all sizes and shape of         video display devices. Such as liquid crystal display screen         known as LCD, light emitting diode screen known as LED screens,         or other type of devices tablet style devices can also be         attached to this as well. Allowing a passenger to watch a video         or use the computer aspects of the device.

Although the description above contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments but as merely providing illustrations of some of several embodiments. For example, the embodiment can be made of other materials. Of other materials such as, carbon fiber, plastics, polyethylene, polypropylene, vinyl, nylon, rubber, laminates, carbonates, cardboard, various plasticized materials, etc. The embodiment can be made different shapes for various needs.

The screen can be changed to other type of viewing screen. Such as a raw style LCD screen, or a tablet style screen. The wire connecting the helmet to the motorcycle could use 4, 6, or 8 conductor wire or others. The cord could be swapped between coiled and straight cords. The use of couplers can be used for safety breakaways. And then the Wire can be ditched all together. For a wireless version a rechargeable battery and solar cell charging system can be utilized. Video would be transmitted wirelessly via blue tooth or radio frequency transmitters. This would eliminate the need for any cables.

In one embodiment, a device used to attach a video screen to the rearward facing portion of a motorcycle helmet or like comprises the following:

-   -   a. A structure of sufficient size to accommodate a video screen         for attachment to the rear of said motorcycle helmet.     -   b. Said video display can be a LCD or LED style screen used to         display said image on said helmet.     -   c. Means for interconnecting

It will be appreciated that various of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims. For example, in one or more other embodiments, the mount may be fixed to, or protrude from, a portion of the helmet other than a rearward portion of the helmet but be configured for attaching the display screen rearwardly facing on the helmet. 

1. A motorcycle helmet apparatus comprising a motorcycle helmet including a digital device screen mount on said helmet for attaching a digital device screen rearward facing on said helmet such that, when the helmet is worn by a driver of the motorcycle, a motorcycle passenger seated behind the driver is able to view an image or use computer aspects of the digital device.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said screen mount includes a rechargeable battery for powering said digital device screen and a solar panel for charging said rechargeable battery.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said helmet includes said digital device screen attached to the rearward facing portion of said helmet by said mount.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said digital device screen comprises an LCD display or an LED display.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said digital device comprises a tablet device.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said screen mount further comprises a wireless transmitter for transmitting data between said viewing screen and said digital device.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said screen mount includes a rechargeable battery for powering said digital device screen and a solar panel for charging said rechargeable battery.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a electrical connector for connecting said digital device screen to a system of said motorcycle.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an electrical connector for connecting said digital device screen to the electrical power of said motorcycle.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the screen mount is configurable to house a variety of screens of different sizes and types
 11. The apparatus of clam 1, further comprising a video camera mounted on the front of said helmet and connectable to said digital device screen for viewing an image from said front mounted video camera on said rearward facing mounted screen.
 12. An apparatus for a motorcycle helmet comprising a motorcycle helmet digital device screen mount configured for attaching a digital device screen rearward facing on a motorcycle helmet such that, when the helmet is worn by a driver of the motorcycle, a motorcycle passenger seated behind the driver is able to view an image or use computer aspects of the digital device.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said screen mount includes a rechargeable battery for powering said digital device screen and a solar panel for charging said rechargeable battery.
 14. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising said digital device screen.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said digital device screen comprises an LCD display or an LED display.
 16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said digital device comprises a tablet device.
 17. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said screen mount further comprises a wireless transmitter for transmitting data between said viewing screen and said digital device.
 18. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said screen mount includes a rechargeable battery for powering said digital device screen and a solar panel for charging said rechargeable battery.
 19. The apparatus of claim 12 further comprising a wire connector for connecting said digital device screen to the electrics of said motorcycle.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein said wire connection comprises a multi-conductor wire pigtail.
 21. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a video camera mounted on the front of said helmet and connectable to said digital device screen for viewing an image from said front mounted video camera on said rearward facing screen.
 22. An apparatus for a motorcycle helmet comprising a motorcycle helmet digital device screen including a mount for attaching a digital device screen rearward facing on a motorcycle helmet such that, when the helmet is worn by a driver of the motorcycle, a motorcycle passenger seated behind the driver is able to view an image or use computer aspects of the digital device.
 23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein said screen includes a rechargeable battery for powering said digital device screen and a solar panel for charging said rechargeable battery.
 24. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein said digital device screen comprises an LCD display or an LED display.
 25. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein said digital device screen comprises a tablet device.
 26. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein said digital device screen further comprises a wireless transmitter for transmitting data between said viewing screen and said digital device.
 27. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims 22, wherein said screen includes a rechargeable battery for powering said digital device screen and a solar panel for charging said rechargeable battery.
 28. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims 22 further comprising a wire connector for connecting said digital device screen to the electrics of said motorcycle.
 29. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein said wire connection comprises a multi-conductor wire pigtail.
 30. The apparatus of anyone of the preceding claims 22, further comprising a video camera for mounting on the front of said helmet and connectable to said digital device screen for viewing an image from said front mounted video camera on the screen. 